North of the city of Almeria, between the Filabres and Alhamilla mountain rages, the Tabernas Desert is characterised by a series of gullies and wadis (torrential desert rivers) that carry water, mud and stones during floods. It is considered the only real desert area of the entire European continent and the landscape is truly breathtaking. Due to precipitation that reaches less than 250 milimetres a year and average temperatures being above 17ºC, a type of terrain known as “bad-lands” has formed, nestled between the high reliefs of Filabres, Alhamilla, Gádor and Sierra Nevada.

In addition to great scenery and geological interest, the area boasts a wealth of fauna and flora. Rare species can be spied here, many unique in the European continent and even in the world. The desolate Tabernas Desert is as spectacular as the geological characteristics that frame it, while the scarce vegetation mirrors that of the North African deserts. The uniqueness of the flora in the Almeria desert is defined by the presence of the cruciferous Euzomodendron bourgaeanum, native to Tabernas.

Due to the richness of its birdlife, it has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds. For the most part, the birds can be seen around the riverbeds or on the rock face where they seek out refuge and places for nesting. This is particularly true of the Alpine swift, crag martin, rock thrush and jackdaw. In addition, this unique place is home to reptiles such as the red-tailed lizard, the ladder snake and the ocellated lizard. And mammals such as foxes, rabbits, dormice, and both the North African and common hedgehog.